Today, it's easy to lament how back-in-the-day niche things have become mainstream, or how "our" once-underground culture has gone global. Long-time collectors say sneaker culture is dead, lost to resellers, bots, and backdoor deals. Old heads agonize over how once-mighty hip-hop has devolved into "mumble" rap, devoid of the bars and lyrical play that once defined the genre. OGs of the clothing trade say "streetwear" has lost its edge, with many designers now rejecting the term full-stop, calling it out as meaningless. Obsolete.

There's no denying the fact that there's some truth to these concerns. The things Highsnobiety has covered from day one are all way more popular than they ever were before. Which means, yes, certain aspects have been watered down and once-niche trends are now everywhere. It can be frustrating to see your favorite looks, sounds, and standards co-opted by those who could not have cared less a few short years ago — especially when their motives might feel less "pure," more corporate. "Streetwear," "street culture," and "influencer" have become a hollow buzzwords.